I am an HVAC contractor in Memphis, Tennessee. I have this to say: if it is not installed correctly, you will have problems. Let me start with replacing older systems. Your older system was R-22. If the line set is not the correct size for the r-410 system, you will have problems. If the old line set is the correct size but isn't flushed properly, leaving residue of oil in the line set (refrigerant lines from evaporator in attic or closet to the condensing unit) from R-22 system, you will have problems. If your return air plenums aren't properly sized and many old ones weren't, you will have problems. Contractors that install or replace systems properly are going to be a little more expensive than one who is cutting corners to get the bid lower. I can't even begin to list how many times I have been called out on units that were in warranty, installed by God knows who, and found wrong line set sizes, wrong duct or plenum sizes, poor brazing connections, all from poor installation. Be more concerned with who you use than what brand you are buying. Check with BBB or Google the company that you plan to use and read reviews. Make sure you use a licensed contractor. Make sure they pull a permit. If you're not licensed, you cannot pull a permit to install a furnace, evaporator coil, or a condensing unit in most places. Read your estimates, ask questions. Another important fact: ok, now you have your new system installed. Just because it is brand new, doesn't mean it doesn't need to be cleaned (condensing unit coils) thoroughly each spring. It also doesn't mean you don't need to change your air filters regularly. You, the homeowner are responsible for preventative maintenance, to keep your new system running for years without problems. I have gone out several times, too many times on several brands, just two years old, with bad capacitors or condensing fan motors. Homeowner is upset because unit is brand new. What caused this? Was it the equipment or a bad installation? Neither, it was a stopped up condensing unit. Spraying a little water on the outside of the condensing unit to remove grass clippings, doesn't remove the dirt, dust and pollen that has built up inside the coil fins. The outside may look clean to you but air isn't getting through that dirty coil. The pressures run high, swell capacitors and get condensing fan motors hot. Then they fail. Yeah, you will get a new capacitor or motor under warranty, although technically you shouldn't because it was not caused by a factory defect, it was caused by lack of maintenance of your equipment. So, please don't be so quick to condemn the brand you buy. How it was put in and how it was taken care of after it was put in is the key!!
